Roster raiders: Who are the NBL stars on the radar of the NBA and cashed-up Asian clubs

Jack McVeigh is one of many NBL stars that could be set for a shot in the NBA or at a mega Asian club, but where would that leave their clubs and what are the lessons they can learn from players who have made similar moves?

The NBL’s man of the moment looks set to frank his grand final MVP and “McVeigh Miracle” into an NBA Summer League shot – or he might just “write poetry and travel around Australia in a van”.

Don’t fret, though, Tasmania fans, he’s not hanging up the sneakers just yet.

The subdued and spent JackJumpers star was just waxing lyrical as he sat on the stage at John Cain Arena taking a moment to soak things in with teammate Will Magnay more than an hour after the game had concluded.

The 27-year-old, who is usually smiling, bubbly and perhaps a little hyperactive, was in a philosophical mood as he waited for captain Clint Steindl to emerge from an interview for a photograph with the Dr John Raschke Trophy, the spoils of the epic 3-2 win over Melbourne United many are calling the greatest grand final series in NBL history.

“I just love playing basketball, man, I just love trying to get better at it,” McVeigh said.

“That’s what I enjoy doing and I just enjoy hanging out with my friends and my teammates and that’s why I do it.

Jack McVeigh was sensational throughout the grand final series. Picture: Getty Images

“I’ve always said the moment I stop enjoying it will be the moment I finish. I’ll go on and, I don’t know, write poetry and travel around Australia in a van.

“But, right now, I just love coming in with this group of dudes and just hanging out.

“That’s all I’m really focused on.”

McVeigh’s high-level play throughout NBL24 put him on NBA and Boomers radars.

His grand final series stunner assured a spot in Australia’s selection camp for the Paris Olympics and will likely lead to an NBA Summer League appearance.

From there, who knows?

It’s a little worry for JackJumpers fans, who could face losing their grand final MVP and star big man Will Magnay.

Magnay rewarded the JackJumpers’ patience through two years of injury struggle when he signed a new deal that will keep him at the JackJumpers for the next two seasons – if he plays in Australia.

Where to next for McVeigh? Picture: Getty Iages

It’s understood the 25-year-old former NBA big has an out clause in his contract that will allow him to explore overseas opportunities.

“Just happy to be here, just going to enjoy tonight and we’ll think about the future later,” Magnay said when asked about his next move.

“It’s what you work for. I mean, you saw it, f---ing brutal, physical ... I mean they’re a hell of a team.”

Former NBL MVP Derek Rucker said interest in Magnay hit fever pitch during the playoffs.

“Magnay is someone who I’ve received a lot of calls for from overseas and NBA scouts throughout the course of the finals and the one concern has been his physical wellbeing,” Rucker said.

“He is a high-class international talent, so he would be a huge loss to the JackJumpers.

“At the same time, I think they have established themselves tremendously and, if Magnay was offered something, they could still somewhat fill the void.”

The lure of Asian clubs, with which the NBL can’t compete financially, and the NBA’s prestige loom as large as ever.

Would have you given Jack McVeigh the series MVP? Picture: Getty Images

NBL clubs have often shown goodwill to contracted players who want to explore their NBA dreams or secure a fat international pay cheque but, as the quality of play and legitimacy of the Australian league continues to spike, Rucker said the choice was becoming tougher.

“It’s a difficult one, right,” Rucker said.

“Most organisations want their players to fulfil their dreams, especially if they’ve been behaving in the proper way.

“But this is the dilemma we find ourselves in as a league sometimes with the money overseas.

“I think (clubs) need to have a very noble outlook to it.

“We’re helping this player improve and to live out more of his basketball dreams but keeping in mind that you retain his rights should he return to the NBL.”

At the end of NBL23, two-time Sydney champion Dejan Vasiljevic left the Kings for the Washington Wizards in the NBA.

That didn’t pan out and DJ’s return to the league came with Adelaide – but not before a complex negotiation with the Kings to relinquish their rights that left bad blood on both sides.

Dejan Vasiljevic got caught in tricky contract negotiations with the Sydney Kings. Picture: Getty Images

South East Melbourne star Mitch Creek has been on both ends.

In Adelaide, the 36ers were reticent to release him when the NBA came calling.

Now, amid rumours he won’t be at the Phoenix next season, the 31-year-old said the only way that would happen was if a lucrative offer came from China.

It’s not beyond the realms of possibility, given he is playing in the CBA right now, and It’s understood the Phoenix would work with him if it did eventuate.

It’s understood out-of-contract King Jordi Hunter is exploring China.

The JackJumpers have six main roster players off contract heading into free agency from April 15 and will need to re-sign or replace at least five, with emergent development player Sean Macdonald to be upgraded.

Roth said work was already well under way to bring most back.

“We are really far down the road behind the scenes in our progress to sign players back,” Roth said.

“Our roster’s almost complete before we even get to the end of April.

Roth is confident there won’t be too much squad turnover at the JackJumpers. Picture: Getty Images

“We have a vision of keeping this group together and making sure they stay together.

“The work is the work and what we bring back next year we’ll bring back and it will all be in an effort to make sure this franchise is moving in the right direction.

“Sometimes, there are tough decisions to be made that are not overly popular and that’s my responsibility.

“In my last three years here, moving into next year, I want to leave this place as something that’s in really good shape for the next person to go ahead and coach.”

McVeigh is just soaking it all in and he paid tribute to Roth for “teaching me to play defence”.

“I’ve never loved the way people talk about defence because a lot of time they talk about heart and grit and toughness and I just don’t necessarily think that’s true,” McVeigh said.

“I think there’s a lot of technique and a lot of skill and a lot of smarts that go into defence and that’s what Scott and the program and the coaches have taught me.

“I was never going to play more than 10 minutes a game if I didn’t get better at defence and there is so much nuance to that I have learned.”

Originally published as Roster raiders: Who are the NBL stars on the radar of the NBA and cashed-up Asian clubs